Sun, Feb 15

Maramon (Kerala), Feb 15: The Maramon convention, which is billed as the largest congregation of Christians in Asia, organised by Syrian Mar Thoma church of Kerala opened here Sunday.

The 114th Maramon convention was inaugurated by the head of Mar Thoma church, Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan. The church is headquartered at Thiruvalla, about 130 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Maramon is situated on the banks of the Pampa river, about 20 km from Thiruvalla.

The week-long convention will have a series of prayer and devotional music sessions. The convention sees a mad rush of politicians from various parties trying to make their presence felt among the electorate.

The Syrian Mar Thoma church has over one million members in Kerala. Nearly three million Christians are expected to attend the convention that will end Feb 22.

Bishop Muame Damdala (South Africa), Reverand Martin Lundae (South Africa) and Bishop Daniel Thygaraj are the main speakers at the convention this year.